Connecticut Blues Society Quarterly Newsletter

State of the

BLUES
The official
publication
of the
Connecticut
Blues Society

FALL 2005 Kent Kirkland

Connecticut
Blues Society
Jr. Krauss & The Shakes
A non-profit organization
P.O. Box 651
Higganum, CT 06441 win 10th Annual CT Blues Challenge
T
www.ctblues.org
hey captured the crowd opening with
MISSION STATEMENT Shawn Leonard’s original,
The Connecticut Blues Society is “Nocturnal”, a driving number with a
dedicated to the promotion and
preservation of the Blues as a
relentless groove. The rest of their set had
unique music form in the State smooth, traditional postwar-sounding
of Connecticut. Founded in Chicago Blues, T-Bone Walker, Little
1993, CTBS is a non-profit
organization and an affiliated
Walter, Slim Harpo, and jump tunes, and
member of the Blues Foundation, the judges loved it. Hartford County based
a worldwide network of 50 Blues Jr. Krauss & The Shakes won the Final
Societies with an international
membership in 12 countries.
Round of the Connecticut Blues Society’s
(The Foundation produces the 10th Annual CT Band Blues Challenge at
annual W.C. Handy Awards, the the Hannon-Hatch VFW in West Hartford,
Lifetime Achievement Award,
the International Blues Talent
CT on Saturday, August 27th. Over 370
Competition, and the nationally Blues music fans, and an additional 110
syndicated Blues radio show, band members witnessed six ﬁnalist bands Jr. Krauss
Beale Street Caravan).
compete for the chance to represent
CTBS is a great way to cultivate Connecticut at the Blues Foundation’s included the
one’s love for the Blues and
make friends that share this
International Blues Challenge (IBC) in winners of each preliminary event,
interest. Members receive State Memphis in January. The competition, Crosseyed Cat, Jr. Krauss & The Shakes,
of the Blues, our newsletter, which included 24 Connecticut Blues bands, Tinted Blue, Ms. Marci & the Lovesick
which provides information on
the local and national Blues
took place over a ﬁve week period during Hounds, Bluzberry Pi, and a “Wild Card”
scene, along with reviews of CDs May and June. The Finals band (the highest scoring band which did
and other Blues products. not win a preliminary), The Patty Tuite
Band. There was wonderful music all
afternoon long. The Mike Crandall Band, a
former CTBS Blues Challenge winner,
performed while the ballots were tallied at
the end of the program. A panel of nine
judges, including musicians Dave Stoltz
and Mark Nomad, Blues music radio DJs
Dana Fargnoli, Rocky Wagner (WCNI),
and Kenn Hinton (WTCC), music writer
and 2004 Memphis IBC Judge Mary Lou
Sullivan, Blues 2000 & 5 promoter Mike
Moss, and can’t-get-enough-of-that-stuff
Blues fans Ed Stack and Lauren Shea,
awarded each band a score of one to ten in
the categories of Blues Content, Talent,
Originality, and
Continued on Page 2
Patty Tuite

BSwinter2.indd 1 12/5/05 5:16:46 PM

State of the

BLUES
The official publication of the Connecticut Blues Society

10th Annual Blues Challenge a win for Jr. Krauss
Continued from Page 1
Stage Presence, the criteria used at the IBC. The weighted
multipliers, as determined by the Blues Foundation, are
Blues Content (4); Talent (3); Originality (2) and Stage
Presence (2). Tom Retano, Entertainment Chairman of
the Berlin Blues Festival, served as Master of Ceremonies.
Acting as photographer and tallying votes was Dom
Forcella, CTBS former President, Director, and IBC
Board Member. CTBS Directors Dave O’Neil, Zeke Ster,
and Kent Kirkland organized the
event.
Bluzberr y Pi

Jr. Krauss & The Shakes will be awarded a
cash prize of $1,500. to offset some of the
costs of traveling to Memphis. In addition,
they will perform at the June, 2006 Berlin
Blues Festival. Other opportunities to
perform at venues throughout the state
will surface. Formed in
1999 with veteran
musicians, the Shakes
are Doug “Jr.” Krauss on
the Love sick Hounds vocals and harmonica,
Ms Marci and Andy MacDonald on
Black-Eyed Sallys guitar and vocals, Shawn
provided the Cajun style food, and the VFW handled the Leonard on guitar and
drinks and set up the seating. vocals, Ben Boylan on
Jr. Krauss & The Shakes will be upright bass, and Bob
Connecticut’s representative to participate Bequillard on drums.
in the Band Division of the International We’re excited”, exclaimed
Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis on Doug Krauss, “It’s been a
January 26-28, 2006. The IBC, which is long time coming....
the largest gathering of blues bands in the Tinted Blue Between The Shakes band
world, will be entering its 22nd year in and the old Houserocker band,
2006. Artists must be an ofﬁcial we’ve participated in at least six Connecticut
representative of a Blues Foundation- Blues Challenge Finals. It was a great relief
sanctioned blues society to compete. This is and it brought such satisfaction to win. We’ve
the largest and most respected showcase for waited a long time for this. We are glad to get
“undiscovered” blues talent. Larry Garner, down to Memphis, not only to check out the
Tommy Castro, Susan Tedeschi, Michael process and to compete, but we are excited to
Burks, Michelle Wilson, Albert Cummings lay down some traditional blues music, too.”
and Sean Costello have all gained national -Kent Kirkland
recognition through the IBC. Crosseyed Cat

2 State of the Blues — Fall 2005


State of the

BLUES
An Interview With Debbie Davies
By Lauren Davis Shea
guitar player but when some of the guys found out I
was serious, they were helpful-others laughed at me. I
Debbie Davies is a very apt woman to launch the first in a basically taught myself by listening to Etta James, Mike
series of CT Blues Society Newsletter features about “Women Bloomfield, and Albert Collins’ records and picking away.
of the Blues.” She’s one of the first women Blues guitarists to I started a band, and I played in John Mayall’s wife’s
have come up through the ranks, and is proud to have broken band, Maggie Mayall and the Cadillacs. My mentors came
barriers. She’s also a Connecticut resident. down the road; I was playing for 11 years by the time I
finally got my gig with Albert. How it happened is that
L.S. Can you describe some of the challenges you’ve
Coco Montoya was touring with John Mayall, while I
faced as a woman in the Blues and how you’ve dealt with
was playing lead guitar in John’s wife’s band-we opened
them?
for John Mayall for 1 1/2 years but never got a record
D.D. “From a very young age I wanted to play electric
deal. I hooked up with Coco and we became an item . . .
guitar. I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, listened to John
Coco introduced me to Albert. He heard me play and he
Mayall, the Stones. The ‘60s were very gender-specific;
dug it. Albert knew how much I wanted to play serious
jobs were stereotypical, girls (including me) studied
Blues and we toured together for three years. Meanwhile
classical piano as kids, or violin, maybe folk guitar-but
as of the 70s, the record industry was signing very few
certainly not electric guitar or drums. I wanted to do
women electric guitarists-Heart had a deal and Joan Jett
something that was only open to guys. Although my
was signed in the ‘80s. And then all of a sudden in the
parents were musicians, they were conservative; they
early ‘90s women started being signed like crazy, most of
wouldn’t buy me an electric guitar-just an acoustic
whom were singer/songwriters who ended up playing the
guitar. It was a sadness for me. And it was not only my
Lilith Fair. Then Blues labels started signing up women.
parents but also the schools and record companies that
Joanna Connor and Sue Foley were the first to get signed
restricted women. Bonnie Raitt was the only woman I
as guitar players and Blind Pig signed me a year later.
saw playing electric Blues. When I was 24, when the
Eventually, other women started getting signed, although
energy of the women’s lib movement of the 1970s was
still not a lot. As jobs and society have opened up, the
just really getting going, I decided to do it. I started
culture has opened for women in the Blues too.”
going to Blues jams at the Inn of the Beginning, north of
L.S. Are you mentoring any other female Blues singers?
San Francisco. There were a few other women playing
D.D. “I have tried to mentor young women I meet
but not too many were very good. I was working harder
around the country. I stay in touch offering e-mail guitar
than the other girls. Very few men would sit with a girl
lessons, and lessons in person. Laura Chavez in CA’s
Bay Area plays hellacious rock Blues. Another, Harley
State of the Blues Erickson, is a student in CT and works as my assistant.”
Fall • 2005 L.S. Bands judged for the Connecticut Blues Challenge
are evaluated on Blues content, talent, originality, and
Connecticut Blues Society Board of Directors stage presence. Is there anything in these categories that
DAVE O’NEIL - president, SARAH SANDERS - treasurer you feel is different about being a woman in terms of
DOM FORCELLA - past president, TOM SANDERS - past president making a name for yourself that a man wouldn’t deal
VINNY CERVONI - director, ED STACK - director - ZEKE STER - director with? For example, stage presence. You don’t seem to
DAVE JONES - webmaster, KENT KIRKLAND - director wear noticeably sexy clothes.
D.D. “It’s show biz, whether it’s pop, rock, or the Blues.
ART TIPALDI, KENT KIRKLAND,
LAUREN DAVIS SHEA, SUSAN DZIEDZIC, - writers
A woman absolutely has extra pressure to look good. I
SUSAN DZIEDZIC, KENT KIRKLAND - photographs
haven’t been playing the sex card; I’m big into the music.
FRANCES DREW - newsletter design
Continued on Page 8

State of the Blues —Fall 2005 3


State of the

BLUES

Joel Blumert Acoustic Blues Artist for 2005
By Susan Dziedzic
The Connecticut Blues Society held its annual Acoustic
Blues Challenge Sunday evening at The Hungry Tiger in
Manchester. And for the skinny price of $5.00, blues fans
got a fantastic night of the finest blues music around. Six
of the top blues musicians in Connecticut came to pour
out their hearts and souls in an effort to win the prize of
Connecticut Acoustic Blues Artist of 2005. The winner
will go on to Memphis, Tennessee
to compete for the national
acoustic blues challenge. In
addition, the winner took home a
check and a very special prize - a
Porchboard Bass.
“The Connecticut Blues Society, Lisa Rich
one of the largest in the country, accomplished in a
is a non-profit organization whose big way.
mission in to promote and preserve The bare stage was the ring for each one
the Blues as a unique art form of these fine musicians to take their place
in Connecticut,” explained Dave and show off their expertise. No frills, no
O’Neil, President of the special effects, no sound enhancements
- just the music. This contest gave the
musicians a chance to perform the blues in
its bare-bones original form.
The blues artists this year included Pete
Scheips, Lisa Rich, Joel Blumert, D.W.
Ditty (with Kenny Mack), Chris D’Amato,
and DC Jones. At the end of the evening,
s Mr. Joel Blumert was the lucky winner and
Pete Scheip will be on his way to Memphis early next
year.
Pete Scheips, a familiar face on the blues scene in the
Manchester area was first up and dove right in with his
organization. hard-driving style. Pete’s resume includes opening for and
And from playing with some heavy-hitters like B.B. King, Les Paul,
the sounds of Johnny Winter, and Buddy Guy, just to name a few. Lisa
the music Rich, the only female artist for the contest, took the stage
on Sunday next and warmed up the audience with her dynamic,
evening, foot-stomping energy, her brilliant delta slide guitar work,
their mission and her straight-to-the-heart lyrics . Lisa is a student of
D. C. Jone is being the great Rory Block, and her style has many of the same
s



State of the

BLUES
crowd-pleasing sure there is a good, solid future for this art.
components. Joel The musicians were under strict guidelines set forth
Blumert pulled by the International Blues Challenge in Memphis,
his listeners into Tennessee and used by the Connecticut Blues Society
his prize-winning for this contest. In addition to using the scoring
performance guidelines, the musicians had to gain points in the
with some categories of talent, blues content, stage presence and
“echo” audience originality. The performers were introduced by Kent
participation. Kirkland of the Connecticut Blues Society and the
With a polished judges were Doug MacNeil, host of “The Psychedelic
Revue” on WHUS 91.7 FM, Greg Panse´, Dana
Fargnoli, and Rocky Wagner from WCNI FM, New
London, and David Stoltz, Hartford Advocate’s Pick
for Best Bass Player. The musicians’ performances were
timed by Terri Jones.
All of the artists that competed have websites that
fans can visit: Pete Scheips (www.bignoisenow.com/
scheips), Lisa Rich (www.lisarichlive.com), Joel
Joel Blumer t Blumert (www.cdbaby.
com/cd/blumert), DW
Ditty (www.dwditty.com),
style and stage Chris D’Amato (www.
presence, Joel chrisdamato.net), and DC
wrapped a bit of folk Jones (www.chiliblues.
sound around his com). The Connecticut
blues giving him the Blues Society also has a
right combination website
to place him on the
top of the night’s
event. DW Ditty put a Kenny
Mack
little different spin on
his performance by
pairing up with Kenny Mack on saxophone. With
DW’s famous delivery and Kenny’s velvety sax; more
than a few hearts in the audience melted. Chris
D’Amato, (also known for his Smokin’ Opey Band),
was another familiar face to blues fans having opened
for the blues greats like Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, D. W. Ditty
and John Mayall. Chris delivered his legendary fine
performance for the crowd. DC (Dave) Jones, a real blues for blues fans
powerhouse with his unique dobro, delivered some of his interested in
memorable originals to the delight of the audience. When joining and
Dave isn’t performing solo, he’s fronting the famous keeping up with
Chiliblues Band. all the blues news
All of these fine artists are the future of the blues and at www.ctblues.
the Connecticut Blues Society is working hard to make org. to
Chris D'Ama



State of the

BLUES

REVIEWS By Art Tipaldi

Maria Muldaur, Sweet Lovinʼ and Suzy vaudeville tune “Ain’t What You Used To Have.”
Of Soul, (Stony Plain) Maria Finally, Muldaur calls in 91 year old Pinetop Perkins
Muldaur’s musical odyssey has and his barrelhousin’ piano on “Decent Woman Blues.”
taken her through the vari- Anything Perkins touches immediately elevates into the
ous forms of American roots realm of classic. As always, Muldaur’s strength is the
music. From her jug band vibrant sensuality and passion she brings to everything
days to her late nights at the her voice touches. Not only should this be considered
oasis to New Orleans R&B one of the year’s top acoustic CD’s, it also possesses the
to Memphis soul to torchy love songs Muldaur always purity and sense of joy to become one for the ages.
paints what her heart feels. Her last CD, Richland Woman Shemekia Copeland, The
Blues, focused on the music of Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Soul Truth, (Alligator) Want
Gary Davis, Leadbelly, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Bessie the whole truth and nothing
Smith, and Memphis Minnie which inspired Muldaur but the truth? Year after year,
when she discovered the power of the blues. Here, record after record, Shemekia
Muldaur chose to shine a spotlight on more of the music Copeland has lived up to all
of Memphis Minnie. Though there are five Minnie songs, expectations by steadily rais-
Muldaur also delivers the music of other women singers ing her performance bar. To
from the early days of American music. Her varied string challenage herself on this,
accompaniment on each song accurately respects that her fourth CD, Copeland
timeless music. Taj Mahal adds banjo, Fritz Richmond flew to Nashville and worked with one of the finest
from her jug band days adds the jug, Del Ray plays guitar, in soul and blues, Steve Cropper. From his days with
Steve James plays mandolin and guitar, Alvin Youngblood Stax, Cropper understands exactly how to turn a young
Hart picks guitar, Suzy Thompson fiddles, Pinetop singer into a soul diva. This is not a nostalgic re-record
Perkins plays piano, and Tracy Nelson lends her voice. of Cropper’s Stax tunes. To reach deep into Copeland’s
Muldaur opens the time machine with Minnie’s “I Am soul, Cropper called in the finest soul drenched musi-
Sailin’.” Her womanly wise articulations spiral throughout cians and singers from Nashville and Memphis. That
the covers of Memphis Minnie’s “Lookin’ The World Over” greasy, southern soul is exactly what Cropper found in
and “Crazy Cryin’ Blues.” Tracy Nelson and Muldaur res- buried in Copeland’s Harlem roots. Take the raw blues
urrect the music and spunk of the classic blues women and rock of her first two CDs, combine that with the
when they recreate the Bessie Smith/Clara Smith duet on growing singer’s feel of her third, and now add deep
Minnie’s “I’m Goin Back.” The back and forth personal Southern soul that comes with maturity, (maturity at
testifyin’ of these full-bodied vocal spirits gives the song 26?) and The Soul Truth has something for every music
a gospel urgency. Then she and Alvin Youngblood Hart fan. The CD opens with “Breakin’ Out,” co written by
effortlessly modernize the music of Minnie and Kansas John Hahn and Cropper, who was just inducted into the
Joe McCoy on “She Put Me Out.” Combined with the styl- Songwriters’ Hall Of Fame. Though it’s about lost love,
ish guitar picking of Steve James and Del Ray, Muldaur’s it is also Copeland announcing that as a singer, she’s
nailed Minnie perfectly. But there are other gems here. ready to do likewise. Cropper’s robust guitar, Jim Horn’s
Like Muldaur and Taj testifying on blind Willie Johnson’s guttural tenor sax and the arranged horns of the Muscle
1929 gospel song “Take A Stand.” Taj and Maria also wax Shoals Horns are the perfect frame for Copeland’s pow-
old time jug band music on “Sweet Lovin’ Of Soul” with erful directives. The follow-up could be the song that
Richmond and Thompson’s backing, and a double enten- is her breakout. “Who Stole My Radio” finds Copeland
dre X rated dialogue with Muldaur on the old Butterbeans singing the commercial radio lament that every artist and



State of the

BLUES
fan feels. Written in the same tongue and cheek style as Rusty Zinn, Zinfidelity Vol.
Dire Straits’ “I Want My MTV,” Copeland recalls the days 1, (Big Daddy Records)
when music on the radio helped us survive. How many Rusty Zinn is one of the
of us listened to the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Beach Boys finest young guitarists you
and Cousin Brucie on tiny transistor radios as we fell can listen to. Zinn’s credits
asleep. Copeland asks where the passion, feeling, soul include work with every
and rock has gone in the days of Clear Channel. BTW, West coast blues band from
don’t expect the Clear Channel guys to put this tune on Kim Wilson to Little Charlie.
one of their play lists. From there, Copeland shows off Here, on his fourth solo
some of the finest soul stylings since the days of Otis record, Zinn is actively embracing all forms of the music
and O.V. Wright. “Poor, Poor Excuse,” also co-written he’s loved. There’s soul, blues, R&B, reggee, doo-wop,
by Hahn and Cropper, comes right out of an old movie and even some urban club music mixed in this gumbo.
theater on 926 E. McLemore in Memphis. Cropper the
His covers on obscure songs from his 45 collection are
producer has brought the finest vocal stylings out of
very strong. The CD opens with “Talkin’ Bout You,” writ-
Copeland the singer. As Copeland discovers the crucial
ten by 1970’s Chicago blues singer Ricky Allen. Over
emotions at the core of the song, ex-Young Rascal Felix
the cold sober horn arrangements, Zinn’s straining tenor
Cavaliere plays Hammond B3, heavy horns and vibrant
aches and pleads to his baby. Zinn’s Southern soul take
guitar notes answer. The other soul treasure is “Strong
on Roy C.’s “Falling In Love Again” should remind you
Enough.” This is a fine vocal display of her delicate
of everything you’ve always loved in soul music. His
vulnerability. Copeland shows that s singing with the
gorgeous passionate vocals tied to the heavy Stax styled
melody connects. She sing over and around the melody
horns and his precise guitar are what soul music should
like today’s American Idol show seems to tell young sing-
be. The repetitive horn chorus on Tiny Powell’s “Get
ers. This is the template to study to sing contemporary
soul. One of the finest jewels in this crown is “Used,” My Hat” shows off the joyous energy of old school soul.
written by Beka Bramlett. There is enough intimate pain The combination of horns, B-3, and big guitar work by
in every syllable Copeland utters to bring every listener Zinn gives these songs a dead on inner city lounge aura.
into the song. When Dobie Gray, from “Drift Away” fame Zinn then reworks two songs from his previous albums.
joins her, the song’s universality is even more obvious. On “Treat You Like A Queen,” from his 1996 Black Top
Cropper still wants Copeland to rock her blues. On record, Zinn fires off thick, B.B. King styled guitar darts.
“You Can’t Have That,” “Givin’ Up You,” and “All About While Zinn funks up “Lucille,” from his 1999 Confessin’
You” Copeland calls upon her all-star studio band to CD. There’s a hint of Reggae on “Put Your Hand In Mine”
turn up the heat. Musicians like Chuck Levell of Allman and some street corner doo-wop on the a cappella CD
Brothers and Stones’ tours handles the piano, Chester closer, “Love Him Or Leave Him.” that makes me want
Thompson of Tower of Power and Steve Potts currently to add my voice to the harmonies. The most daring cut
touring with Booker T played drums while Cropper and is “Zinn bootyism,” a funky groove with a humor-filled
Bob Britt, who played lead guitar Bob Dylan’s Time Out dialogue between Zinn and Detrisha Wilson. We get
Of Mind and has been touring lately with John Fogerty, to eavesdrop on this late night, pick-up, club banter.
share the guitar chores. These are three songs sure to Oakland Red, AKA Zinn, is trying hard to pick up the
become crowd favs on the road. On “Uptown Line,” chocolate drop at the bar. he finally impresses the pro-
co-written by Hahn and Chris Thomas King, Copeland spective bed mate by informing her that he’s got a license
rides the modern blinds and accepts life as it is today. to slide, augmented by Zinn’s slide guitar. Very cool.
The CD ends with Eddie Hinton’s “Something Heavy,” After three predominately blues records, this record has
a rappin’ Copeland-Cropper voice and guitar duet. Rap all the feel of an artist beginning to separate himself from
on Memphis soul stew. By crossing over all arbitrary blues imitators and discover his true voice. Play this at
boundary like blues, rock, soul, or R&B, The Soul Truth your next party and be ready to give a shout out to Zinn’s
demands it’s own category called Shemekia. nostalgic fidelity all night long.



State of the

BLUES

Debbie Davies D.D. “The Blues is a feeling and it’s gotta be real. I
Continued from Page 2 think it’s great that my songwriting partner’s a man. I’m
so used to being with male musicians, and many are
Plenty of women do play it, because it’s much easier to artistic and sensitive-half those songs are written by my
get the attention of the people in the record industry-who partner.”
are mostly men. And it’s easier to get people listening L.S. Can you describe your songwriting process?
to you in a bar to go crazy-but that’s not really focused D.D. “Half of the tunes on this CD are written by
on the musicianship. It’s a lot easier to be a guy and my drummer, Don Castagno, who has become my
not necessary to be best-looking; guys are more noticed songwriting partner. I’ll be sitting with the guitar, and
for their musicianship. Women need to be more eye- sometimes like magic a whole song with come-but not too
catching-although it’s a plus for a man too-if two men are often. More often I get snippets and I have to keep track
equally good, the cute one will sell better. Sex sells. But of that so I keep a notebook all the time to write down
#1 I’m a musician-other artists may be more motivated the lyrics I think of. I also keep a tape recorder always
by being on stage. If you’re singing and you’re the front set up for recording guitar riffs. When it comes time to
person, you’ve got to maybe focus more on being sexy, record a CD, when maybe I’m stumped, then I call my
whereas if you have the guitar too you already have partner.”
something going on.” L.S. What was your greatest moment on-stage?
L.S. Listening to your latest CD, All I Found, I thought D.D. “There are wonderful moments when other artists
your lyrics were in many cases very original ways of are sitting in with you or you sit in with others. At the
describing universal feelings, especially single women’s San Francisco Blues Fest in 1987 Albert Collins asked me
feelings. For example, on the song, Trying to Keep It to sit in and he also invited Robert Cray at the same time.
Real: “With my insides on the outsides, you know just Albert had to hear me before he made the offer to tour
how I feel. Do I scare you like I scare myself?” Or on the with him. That was a really exciting show for me.”
song: What Do You See In That Girl?: “She’s got big feet, L.S. I was at The Red Door in Watertown when a
ain’t got no style, no job, can’t carry a tune, can’t sing drunken woman took up the whole dance floor and
on key, nobody laughs when she tells a joke.” On Every managed to knock over your mic; you demanded she be
Breath I Take: “I can exercise, meditate, diet-life is still ejected. Is it tough to be a woman and keep control of
killing me.” On One More Time: “I’m leaving you, baby, the crowd? What can fans do to contribute to a musician
but maybe you can rock me one more time before I’m having a great night?
gone.” On Comfort Zone: “She knows he’s a slacker but D.D. “That kind of behavior is just as irritating to the
that’s OK; He’s not the kind of fella you call Type A; he’s men. The artist’s job is to keep people happy and dancing.
in the comfort zone, and so is she”-- which really digs at
women who settle. Continued on Page 10



State of the

BLUES
CONNECTICUT BLUES SOCIETY
BEGINS NEW COMPILATION CD
The CTBS is proud to announce the
undertaking of our follow-up compilation
Local Blues on Thursday
CD. Our first effort “Local Flavor” was
a big success and we are ready make this
second effort even more successful.
at Black eyed Sally's
We invite CT Blues Society membership bands
to submit an original song to be a part of this new
CT. Blues Society compilation CD. If you would like to be a part of On Thursday nights, local blues is
this, please contact Dave O’Neil via email at BluesTV@yahoo.com.
We our looking for, original songs that are 5 minutes or less in length. sponsored by the CT Blues Society. All
We would prefer that these be pre-mixed and sent on CD format or bands have competed in the CT Blues
better. We are only taking approximately 17 songs and song/band Society Challenge held during the
selection will be based upon the following criteria:
1. Past Finalists of the CTBS Blues Challenge will be given the
summer. Please come out and support
highest priority. local blues bands. We ask for your
2. Next priority will be given to past Blues Challenge Semi-Finalist membership and support to make this
bands. a continued success. Thank You.
3. Third priority will be given to past band participants of the Blues
Challenge. All bands start at 8:30
4. Then active CTBS members with Connecticut based Blues
bands.
5. Finally, if slots are still available, then non-membership Thursday Dec 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti Tuite Band
Connecticut based Blues Bands will be offered the opportunity. Thursday Dec 15th . . . . Mike Law and the Playboys
For this first phase, we will be soliciting submissions from today
until December 31, 2005. At that point we will determine, based upon Thursday Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . Cobalt Rhythm Kings
the above criteria, whose song submission will go on the future CD.
Bands will then be notified of their acceptance in this project and will Thursday Dec 29th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XY Eli
be required to submit their song in an acceptable format.
We expect the CD to be completed before the start of the 2006 Blues
Thursday Jan 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy T blues Band
Challenge. Right now, we do not have a working title for the disc, if you Thursday Jan. 26th . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chili Blues Band
have any suggestions, we would certainly welcome your thoughts.

“YEAH MAN!” CD WINS FIRST CTBS CD CHALLENGE
Five bands and one solo acoustic musician ended up participating in the first CTBS
Challenge to enter inthe new Blues Foundation’s “Best Self Produced CD Award”
competition. The CDs in the Challenge, which were produced over the past year,
included Dan Stevens’ Road to Memphis, Stephen James Roane’s Dancing in my Bones,
The Liberty Blues Band’s I Remember, The Mike Crandall Band’s Black Rain, Idlewilde’s
Full Throttle, The Hoodoo Band’s Turning Blue, and Ryan Hartt & The Blue Hearts “Yeah
Man! The Blue Heart’s “Yeah Man!” garnered the most votes from the judges, which
included Boston-based Blues writer Art Simas, WCCC Radio’s Sunday Night Blues DJ
Beef Stew, and Blues CD Producer Joe Roesch of Roesch Records. The judges evaluated
each recording on the basis of the Blues Foundation’s criteria, specifically musical
performance, audio quality of the presentation, cover art and design, and credits & liner Available at ryanhartt.com
or through iTunes
information. Congratulations to the Blue Hearts for some outstanding work! The Blue
Hearts “Yeah Man” will be CTBS’s submission to the Blues Foundation’s “Best Self-Produced CD” award in Memphis.
This CD will be judged along with CD submissions from other Blues Societies around the world on the same criteria listed
above. The five finalists will be announced one week prior to the IBC Blues Challenge in January. Music professionals
will judge the five finalists at the IBC Challenge. Last year’s judges were Alligator Records’ Bruce Iglauer, Memphis
International Records’ David Less, Northern Blues’ Fred Litwin, Archer Records’ Ward Archer, and Severn Records’
David Earl. Winners will receive national airplay on XM Satellite Radio, Music Choice, and ABS Web Cast.
-Kent Kirkland, Event Coordinator, Connecticut Blues Society



State of the

BLUES

Send your classifieds to chilijonesy@aol.com

Musicians Looking For Bands Bands Looking For Musicians
Im a 25 y.o. female in Mystic, CT with too much time on my hands. Danbury-area blues/rock band looking for harmonica player. One
Love the blues, but can get into just about anything. Strong voice and practice per week. Relaxed atmosphere, but good music. Vocals and/or
background. Jennifer at sailorswifejwg@yahoo.com doubling on another instrument nice but not necessary. Contact Mike
at buldog5151@aol.com or call (203) 270-0853.
Experienced Bass Player with good attitude and pro gear looking to
play some Blues. Open to serious fun, gigs or recording in the Greater Northern CT, Western MA Blues Band forming. Seeking guitar,
Hartford area. Contact Jim 978.869.4450. piano or B3, drums and stand up or electric bass. Rehearse ﬁrst, then
gig. Vocals a big plus. Must have good dynamics, technique, tone ,
Blues Bass Players, Drummers, Keyboards and Horns wanted for
musicianship, showmanship, and attitude. If you have an appreciation
recording and gigs. southeast CT. falbert@cttel.net
for vintage blues, rockabilly, jazz, rock, r&b, surf or any other roots
Singer looking for pro band. Can sing various styles. Located in type sound , then we’re on the same page. No loud bluesrockers,
New Haven area. smont13@netscape.com classic rockers or heavy drinkers please. I look forward to hearing
Exp. Blues bass player available 203 913 8474 from you.
Central Ct based high energy blues band seeks a funky drummer
39 year old singer/lap steel guitarist looking for a band. 20 plus with a good ear Many originals and room to explore the blues Have a
years exp. good equip ready to play. love the blues/southern blues good attitude and pro equipment we have gigs booked like at foxwoods
Allmans,Johnny Winter, etc. 860-669-9997 etc Looking for a serious player with good ethics, great timing and
Harp Vocals Great chops, pro attitude, much experience available doesn’t mind rehearsing Contact stevemolnar@cox.net
for the right situation. Any type retro music. blues, country, Drummer wanted for blues/classic rock band. We are ready to play
rockabilly, jazz, bluegrass, etc, etc Band Looking for Musician out once the band is complete. We are keyboards/vocals, bass and
Date of Message Blues Bass Players, Drummers, Keyboards and Horns guitar. We are all in our early 50s. We practice once a week in Bethany.
wanted for recording and gigs. southeast CT. falbert@cttel. Here’s our website http://www.ctlocalbands.org/abovethesalt/ You can
contact us at abovethesalt@ctlocalbands.org or abargar@hotmail.com
Debbie Davies
Continued from previous Page Blues but we don’t have the clout like the old guys had.
Boston and Providence have been hotbeds for the Blues
The club should control that kind of behavior. We’re on for 30 years. It’s more crowded with clubs on the East
the road a lot, we might be tired-that particular woman Coast so I can work more often when I live here. Also
when she knocked over the mic spilled drinks on the I’ve played a lot in Europe and it’s much easier to fly to
electronics. I know players who’ve lost their teeth from Europe from the East Coast.”
unruly patrons knocking into the equipment-a person L.S. What are your musical goals?
like that has got to go. And as much as we tour, Blues D.D. “As a younger player you’re concentrating all the
crowds are generally great.” time on your chops. I’ve been playing for so long that my
L.S. How do you deal with being on the road so much? main goals now are to play from the heart and connect
D.D. “It gets harder being on the road as you get older. with my audiences, make people feel good. And when I
I can’t put up with the craziness anymore-the Albert get the chance, to make good CDs.”
Collins Band was wild and crazy . . . that was fun at the L.S. As a woman Blues musician and songwriter, what
time.” advice would you have for women breaking in?
L.S. You’ve been all over the world, and born in CA. D.D. “The women have to work as hard as the guys.
Why do you choose to live in CT? Some women have only gotten to a certain point because
D.D. “When I got my record deal for Blind Pig the they fall back on being female. I encourage women to
music scene was stronger on the East Coast. Plus it’s not settle for “oh, you’re good for a girl.” Instead, become
tough out west to jump out on tour, with wide open as good a musician as you can, keep learning, keep
spaces. When you’re based in L.A., it takes 8-10 hours working on it. I hung in there. I’ve been willful, I’ve had
to get to the gigs-there’s just not that many towns. The stubbornness, I’ve had a strong drive to want to do this.
Blues scene is not as vital as it was, both because a lot of It’s only your own drive that keeps you moving forward.
the clubs from the ‘80s and ‘90s have closed and because People my age encourage all their children, including
lots of the big stars have died. Junior Wells, Albert King, daughters, to do whatever it is they want to do. Younger
Johnny Copeland, Ray Charles, Lonnie Brooks-I toured women wanting to do nontraditional things can do them
with all of them. There are a lot of Boomers who play the now, and that really makes me happy.”


BSwinter2.indd 10 12/5/05 5:16:59 PM

State of the

Blues Plate Special
BLUES
Weekly listings for blues on the tube . . .
www.BluesTV.net

ADELPHIA-NORWICH COX-ENFIELD
Tuesday 9:00 PM, Ch. 14: Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin, Thursday 9:30 PM, Ch. 15: East Granby, East Windsor,
Lisbon, Norwich, Preston, Sprague Enfield, Granby, Hartland, Somers, Stafford, Suffield, Union,
ADELPHIA-OLD LYME Windsor Locks
Tuesday 9:00 PM, Ch. 27: East Haddam, Haddam, Lyme, COX-MANCHESTER
Old Lyme, Salem Wednesday 9:30 PM, Ch. 15: Glastonbury, Manchester,
Newington, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Wethersfield
COMCAST-BOLTON
Thursday 8:00 PM, Ch. 5: Andover, Bolton, Ellington, Hebron, COX-RHODE ISLAND
Sunday Midnight, Ch. 13: All of Rhode Island except Warren
Marlborough, Tolland, Vernon
& Block Island
COMCAST-HARTFORD
COX-WARREN, RI
Saturday 2:00PM, Ch. 5: Hartford
Sunday Midnight, Ch. 49: Warren
COMCAST-SIMSBURY
EASTERN-NEW LONDON
Thursday 2:00 PM & 9:00 PM, Ch. 5: Simsbury
Sunday 9:00 PM, Ch. 24: East Lyme, Griswold, Killingly,
CABLEVISION-NORWALK Montville, New London, Plainfield, Putnam, Sterling,
Friday 7:00 PM, Ch. 77: Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Waterford
Norwalk, Stamford, Westport TELE-MEDIA-SEYMOUR
CABLEVISION-SOUNDVIEW Thursday 7:00 PM, Ch. 10: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany,
Thursday 10:00 PM, Ch. 71: Bridgeport, Fairfield, Milford, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton
Orange, Woodbridge
CHARTER-NEWTOWN
Monday 2:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 PM, Ch. 21: Bethlehem, Tune in to the Blues
Bridgewater, Brookfield, Kent, Monroe, New Fairfield, New A Directory of Blues Radio Shows in Connecticut
Milford, Newtown, Roxbury, Sherman, Southbury, Trumbull,
WNHU 88.7 Sunday 11:00 pm – 2:00 am, Dr. Bill
Washington, Woodbury Monday 8:00 – 11:00 pm, Miss Rusty J.
CHARTER-WINSTED WESU 88.1 Thursday 10:00 am – Noon, Garson Fischer
Thursday 9:00 PM, Wednesday 3:00 PM, Ch. 13: WRTC 89.3 Saturday 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Chris/Dave
Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Harwinton, New Hartford, WPKN 89.5 Sunday 6:00 – 10:00 pm, Bill Nolan
Thursday 6:00 – 10:00 pm, Bob Shapiro
West Hartland, Winchester, Winsted
WECS 90.1 Wednesday Noon – 2:00 pm, Don Denley
CHARTER-WILLIMANTIC Tuesday 8:00 11:00 pm Ramblin' Bert: Rockin the Blues
Monday 9:00 PM, Ch. 14: Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, WCNI 91.1 Sunday 9:00 – Noon, Rocky Wagner: Sun. Morn. Blues
Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Eastford, Hampton, Lebanon, Monday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Kim Scott Red Hot Smokin’ Blues
Monday 6:00 am – 9:00 am, Dan Loftus: Wicked Madam Blues
Mansfield, Pomfret, Scotland, Thompson, Willimantic, Review
Willington, Windham, Woodstock Saturday 9:00 am – Noon, Dana Fargnoli: Out of the Blues
Saturday 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Dan Sefton: Not So Blues
COMCAST-CLINTON WWUH 91.3 Monday 3:00 – 6:00 am, River City Slim
Thursday 8:00 PM, Ch. 19: Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Monday 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Mike Marti: The Marti Party, Blues, R&B,
Oldies
Durham, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Old Saybrook,
Monday 9:00 pm – Midnight, Bart Bozzi: Blue Monday
Westbrook Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 am, River City Slim: Pine Grove Blues
COMCAST-CROMWELL Friday 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Dwight Thurston: In The Weeds

Thursday 10:00 PM, Ch. 3: Cromwell, East Hampton, WHUS 91.7 Sunday 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Ramblin’ Bert Rand: Bluesline
Tuesday 5:00 – 7:00 am, Mac
Middlefield, Middletown, Portland Thursday 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Ramblin’ Bert Rand
Friday 2:00 – 5:00 am, Matt Talbot: Blues Before Sunrise
COMCAST-NEW HAVEN Saturday 9:00 pm – Mid., Dave Carpenter: The Blues Bus
Tuesday 9:00 PM, Ch. 27: Hamden, New Haven, West Haven WEFX 95.9 Monday – Friday 10:00 pm, Lonesome Dave
COX-CHESHIRE WCCC 106.9 Sunday 6:00 pm – Midnight, Sunday Night Blues with Beef Stew
Wednesday 9:30 PM, Ch. 15: Cheshire, Meriden, Southington WFCS 107.7 Thursday 10:00 am – Noon, The Road Hog


BSwinter2.indd 11 12/5/05 5:17:00 PM

Connecticut
Blues Society
A non-profit organization
P.O. Box 651
Higganum, CT 06441
www.ctblues.org

Love the blues? It’s time to get involved!

Connecticut Blues Society
Membership Form
___New ___ Renewal
Name________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
fo r Optional:
n ow
T B S e t he
t he C iv I would like to be on the following committees-
Join nd rece ” CD.
a r
$ 20 a l F la v o
“ Lo c ____Newsletter ____Events ____Membership
____Mailings ____Media ____Advertising

Phone_________________________ E-mail________________________
$15 for membership renewal. Please make your check payable to:
The Connecticut Blues Society, P.O. Box 651, Higganum, CT 06441

BSwinter2.indd 12 12/5/05 5:17:01 PM

Connecticut Blues Society Quarterly Newsletter

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